2017 Report on Efforts by State Universities to Promote the Green Technology Industry

June 2017

“The Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board shall annually publicize on their Internet websites information concerning efforts made by State universities and community colleges to promote the green technology industry, including the development of new academic degree and certificate programs, courses of instruction, and initiatives made by these State universities and community colleges to align green jobs programs with employer needs.” (Source: P.A. 97-241, eff. 8-4-11.)

Table of Contents

Centers Established & “Green Degrees” Offered Pages 2-5 Chicago State University Pages 6 Eastern Illinois University Page 7 Governors State University Pages 8-10 Illinois State University Pages 11-14 Northeastern University Pages 15-19 Northern Illinois University Page 20-21 Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Page 22-23 Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville Page 24 University of Illinois Chicago Page 24 University of Illinois Springfield Page 24 University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign Page 24 Western Illinois University Page 24-25

Degrees Offered and Centers Established by Illinois Public Universities that May Be Used to Promote the Green Technology Industry

Post-baccalareate Certificate in Geographic Chicago State University 45.0701 Information Systems or Community Development 45.0701 M.A. in Geography

Eastern Illinois University 40.0601 B.S. in Geology 45.0701 B.S. in Geography Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic 45.0702 Information Sciences in Environmental Life Sciences 30.0601 M.S. in Sustainable Energy 45.0702 P.S.M. in Geographic Information Sciences 90.1505 Center for Clean Energy Research and Education

Governors State University 26.1305 M.S. in Environmental Biology

Illinois State University 01.0000 B.S. in Agriculture 15.0503 B.S. in Renewable Energy 40.0601 B.S. in Geology 45.0701 B.A. and B.S. in Geography 51.2202 B.S. in Environmental Health 01.0000 M.S. in Agriculture 40.0699 M.S. in Hydrogeology

Northeastern Illinois University 03.0103 B.A. in Environmental Studies 03.0104 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science 40.0601 B.S. in Earth Science 45.0701 B.A. in Geography 40.0601 M.S. in Earth Science 45.9999 M.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies

Northern Illinois University 03.0103 B.A./B.S. in Environmental Studies 40.0601 B.S. in Geology and Environmental Geosciences 45.0701 B.A. and B.S. in Geography 40.0601 M.S. in Geology 45.0701 M.S. in Geography 40.0601 Ph.D. in Geology 45.0701 Ph.D.in Geography Analytical Center for Climate and Environmental 90.0301 Change

Institution Name CIP2K Program Name Southern Illinois University Carbondale 01.0000 B.S. in Agricultural Systems and Education 01.1201 B.S. in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Management 03.0501 B.S. in Forestry 40.0601 B.A. and B.S. in Geology 45.0701 B.S. in Geography and Environmental Resources Post-Baccaureate Graduate Certificate in Earth 40.0601 Science Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Geographic Info 45.0701 Sciences 45.0701 Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Sustainability 03.0501 M.S. in Forestry 40.0601 M.A. and M.S. in Geology 45.0701 M.S. in Geography and Environmental Resources 01.0000 Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences 03.0103 Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy 03.0201 PhD in Environmental Resources 40.0601 Ph.D. in Geosciences 90.0110 Beef Evaluation Station Center for Excellence for Soybean Research, Teaching 90.0111 an 90.0301 Touch of Nature 90.0303 Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center 90.0306 Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 03.0104 Environmental Sciences 45.0701 B.A. and B.S. in Geography 03.0104 M.S. in Environmental Sciences Professional Science Master's (P.S.M.) in 03.0199 Environmental Science Management Professional Science Master's (P.S.M.) in 26.1201 Biotechnology Management 45.0701 M.S. in Geographical Studies 90.1505 Environmental Resources Training Center 90.1506 National Corn to Ethanol Research Center

U of I at Chicago 40.0601 B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences 40.0601 M.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences 40.0601 Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences 90.0301 Institute of Environmental Science and Policy 90.0302 Energy Resources Center

Institution Name CIP2K Program Name U of I at Springfield 03.0103 B.A. in Environmental Studies 03.0103 M.A. in Environmental Studies 03.0104 M.S. in Environmental Sciences

U of I at Urbana/Champaign 01.1102 B.S. in Crop Sciences 03.0104 B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences 04.0601 Bachelor of Landscape Architecture 11.0199 B.S. in Computer Science and Crop Sciences 14.0501 B.S. in Bioengineering B.S.L.A.S. in Earth, Society, and Environmental 30.0601 Sustainability 40.0601 B.S. & B.S.L.A.S. in Geology B.A.L.A.S. in Geography and Geographic Information 45.0701 Science 01.0308 M.S. in Agricultural Production 01.1102 M.S. in Crop Sciences M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental 03.0104 Sciences 04.0601 Master of Landscape Architecture 14.0301 M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering 14.0501 M.Eng. In Bioengineering 14.0501 M.S. in Bioengineering 26.0301 M.S. in Plant Biology 26.0399 M.S. in Plant Biotechnology 26.1103 M.S. in Bioinformatics 26.1310 M.S. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology 40.0601 M.S. in Geology 45.0701 M.A. in Geography 45.0702 M.S. in Geography 01.1102 Ph.D. in Crop Sciences Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Environmental 03.0104 Sciences 04.0601 Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture 14.0501 Ph.D. in Bioengineering 26.0301 Ph.D. in Plant Biology 26.1310 Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology 40.0601 Ph.D. in Geology 45.0701 Ph.D. in Geography 90.0101 TIAA-CREF Center for Farmland Research

U of I at Urbana/Champaign 90.0301 Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment 90.2602 Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology 90.2608 Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology 90.2612 Biotechnology Center 90.3018 Institute for Universal Biology (IUB)

Western Illinois University 01.0000 B.S. in Agriculture 40.0601 B.S. in Geology 45.0701 B.S. in Geography 45.0701 Post Baccalaureate Certificate in GIS Analysis 45.0701 M.A. in Geography 03.0104 Environmental Science 90.0301 Institute for Environmental Studies

*Note: All Centers and degree programs are in active status as of June 2017 unless indicated otherwise.

Chicago State University

Chicago State University Sustainability Initiatives

Global Institute of Sustainable Development

The Global Institute of Sustainable Development, GISD, is an innovative approach to furthering the global citizenship mission of Chicago State University with particular interest in utilizing sustainability principles to stimulate university/community partnership for cross-cultural education, faculty- student interaction in research, service, and community development. More information can be found at: http://www.csu.edu/internationalstudies/globalinstitute/

Calumet Environmental Resource Center

The Calumet Environmental Resource Center (CERC) is a unique resource library, meeting place and referral network where local community residents, government officials, nonprofit environmental organizations, and others can learn about and respond to pressing environmental issues in the Calumet Region. More information can be found at: http://www.csu.edu/cerc/

Aquaponics Facility

In the summer of 2010, Chicago State University opened the Aquaponics Facility. The project consists of raising tilapia fish in a controlled, continuously circulating water system. The effluent of the fish holding tanks are circulated through growbeds, providing nourishment where plants will be grown hydroponically. This integrative process between aquaculture and hydroponics is known as aquaponics. More information can be found at: http://www.csu.edu/bioprehealth/facilities/aquaponics.htm

CSU Prairie Garden

Started in 2003 with a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Prairie Garden is populated with species native to Illinois grasslands. The garden allows students to conduct research and also serves as a platform for instruction in how to teach biology. More information can be found at: http://www.csu.edu/bioprehealth/facilities/prairiegarden.htm

CSU Go Green Recycling Program

Chicago State University has a campus-wide recycling program that collects paper, cardboard, bottles, and cans for recycling. Recycling bins are available in all campus buildings. There is also a central location for collecting used batteries. More information about “green” facilities initiatives can be found at: http://www.csu.edu/PFPM/ehs.htm

Eastern Illinois University

Graduate programs that would qualify as green: http://www.eiu.edu/sustainable/

MS in Sustainable Energy (Approved by IBHE Board: 12/4/12) Duel MS in Sustainable Energy and Technology Duel MS in Sustainable Energy and MBA Duel MS in Sustainable Energy and MS in Geographic Information Sciences

We also have an Undergraduate Minor in Environmental Sustainability and a Concentration in Alternative Energy and Sustainability. http://castle.eiu.edu/energy/undergraduate.php

We have created the Center for Clean Energy Research and Education (CENCERE), which is committed to the development of clean, sustainable energy sources. CENCERE partners with a cross- disciplinary team engaged in catalyzing new initiatives in energy research and education. More information about the center can be found here http://castle.eiu.edu/energy/. (4/12/11)

Campus green initiatives include having a Renewable Energy Center that can produce energy using biomass, water conservation and recycling programs.

We have received the following awards for our campus efforts

Tree Campus USA 2010, 2011, 2012 — National Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota (2011) Outstanding College and University Recycling Program award from the Illinois Recycling Association (2009)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's College/University Partner of the Year award (one of 10) for comprehensive waste reduction program (2006)

ASHRAE Regional Technology Award, First Place for Institutional Buildings - Existing, Region VI, (2002- 2003)

Efficient Building Awards from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State Building Energy Program (1997, 1999, 2002)

Information about campus initiatives: http://www.eiu.edu/sustainability/index.php

Renewable Energy Center: http://www.eiu.edu/sustainability/eiu_renewable.php

Governors State University “Green” Jobs Report

Governors State University has a deep commitment toward preparing our students, traditionally underserved and marginalized in public higher education, for the jobs of tomorrow in a global economy while contributing to the ongoing stewardship of the environment at an affordable tuition rate. That commitment is not just in our degree programs and course offerings, but modeled in the efforts of the students, faculty, and staff of Governors State University to look for sustainable and environmental solutions and programming that creates and promotes “Green” Jobs and in the long- term saves money for the university and the state of Illinois.

Degree Offerings In the fall of 2014, Governors State University admitted its first class of first-year students to take lower-division coursework. These new students elect to join one of three thematic groups which will form a learning community and cohort throughout their lower-division studies. Students within the cohort will take up to 13 credit hours together each term (in addition to three independent hours in areas of their choice). The three cohorts are: Civic Engagement, Global Citizenship, and Sustainability, and the program is designed to offer dedicated programming, coursework, and collaboration on these critical issues, preparing students for dedicated study in their upper-division degree program starting at the end of their second year of collegiate study.

At the undergraduate level in upper-division study, the bachelor’s degree program in Biology prepares students with the latest technology and teaching methods for careers in the life sciences as well as the field of environmental science and sustainability. Students earning bachelor’s degrees and non-degree-seeking students can earn a certificate in Biotechnology and Bio-Analysis. These degree programs are available to direct-entry and transfer-entry students, including those through our nationally-recognized Dual Degree Program which provides a pipeline for students from study at the community college to “Green” and sustainable jobs after completion of a bachelor’s degree.

At the master’s degree level a Master of Science degree in Environmental Biology preparing students for work as professional biologists with a strong environmental emphasis. Governors State University is uniquely located where urban and rural areas meet, allowing students to explore a diverse range of complex environments. Internships are available with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Forest Preserve District of Will County, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Brookfield Zoo, and the Argonne National Laboratory, among many other locations.

Coursework available to degree-seeking students and those who are not seeking a degree plan but with to augment their existing knowledge and skills to be better prepared for employment in “Green” industries is listed below. More information on courses and programs can be found in the university catalog.

ANTH-1100 (Cultural Anthropology) ANTH-4100 (Urban Anthropology) ANTH-4610 (Ethnographic Research Methods) ANSO-3099 (Junior Seminar in Anthropology and Sociology) ANSO-3300 (Ecology, Environment, and Culture) ANSO-4300 (Food, Culture, and Society) BIOL-1200/1201 (Environmental Biology, Lecture/Laboratory) BIOL-2104/2109 (Biological Science Foundations II, Lecture/Laboratory) BIOL-3118 (Environmental Studies: A Case Studies Approach) BIOL-3322/3323 (Ecology, Lecture/Laboratory) BIOL-4140/4141/4142/4143/4144/4145/4146/4147/4148/4149/4150 (Natural History Topics in Biology) BIOL-6101/6102/6103/6104/6105/6106/6107 (Environmental Science Topics) BIOL-6516 (Topics in Ecology) CHEM-5145/5146 (Environmental Chemistry, Lecture/Laboratory) ENGL-4483 (Literature of the Environment) PADM-8400 (Seminar in Public and Strategic Planning) SOC-1100 (Introduction to Sociology) SOC-3200 (Social Inequalities) SOC-3500 (Population Studies) SOC-4400 (Social Movements)

Modeling Sustainability and Environmental Advocacy as a University In addition to our degree offerings, Governors State University offers programming based around environmental issues, takes efforts to protect the local and global environment through good stewardship of our planet, and looks for efficiencies through sustainable practice. More information on university sustainability measures can be found below and at our university sustainability website.

Large-scale programming on campus  GSU is a signatory to the America College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, showcasing our promise toward reducing our carbon footprint.  GSU employs a full-time Environmental Health and Safety officer.  Annual participation as a campus in Earth Week celebrations.

 Partner with local corporations and cities (e.g., City of Chicago Heights; Solvay, University Park; NuFarm, Chicago Heights) for litter clean-up on Earth Day.  Campus Clean-up of the Thorn Creek watershed.  GSU’s Sustainable Garden in which faculty, staff, and students rent a lot for gardening.  Vet Tech in which small appliances are repaired by Veterans who receive training. The appliances are then reused or recycled.  Hydration stations across campus, energy-efficient lighting with vacancy/occupancy controls, multiple scene light controls in classrooms for reduced lighting levels, night light control system to monitor and control current fixtures and future installations.  DDC controls for local AHU and HVAC systems.

Campus sustainability practices  Use of bio-solids on university- winter to combat ice on all paved surfaces and sidewalks.  Make use of a 64 panel solar-thermal system, offsetting the cost of hot water heating for its shower rooms and 168,000 gallon swimming pool, and displacing approximately 40 therms of natural gas daily.  Recycling lamps and batteries which eliminates more than 150 CFL lamps, 160 HID lamps, 230 Non-PCB Ballast, 120 2’ Linear lamps, 180 3’ Linear lamps, 1,000 4’ Linear lamps, and 1,200 alkaline batteries. Campus environmental stewardship practices  -friendly cleaning products throughout the university by the Housekeeping Department.  Large-scale organic farming on university-owned farm land and the use of a Conservation Agriculture plan.  Installation of permeable pavers in the parking lot to promote effective drainage.  Installation of bio-swales.  Roller-brushing snow off surfaces to limit use of melting products.

Energy Performance Contract highlights  Campus energy audit  Cooling, Air Handling controls  Lighting and motion sensors to limit unnecessary lighting  guaranteed energy savings

Illinois State University Green IT Degree Offerings

Technology plays an intricate role throughout societies and industries. To meet the needs of society and employers Illinois State offers a range of degree programs that encompass technology to advance the capacity of ‘green’ industry, research and community efforts.

Beginning in the Fall of 2017 Illinois State will begin offering the first Cybersecurity Major in the state of Illinois. The major includes courses on defensive security, offensive security, and a combination of security incident and event management with forensics. Security of energy and natural resources is a high priority as the systems that manage these resources are high value targets for cyber attacks.

Majors (Undergraduate)

Biological Sciences

Cybersecurity

Environmental Health

Geography

Geology

Recreation & Park Administration - Therapeutic Recreation

Renewable Energy

Social Work

Sociology

Minors (Undergraduate)

Business Environment & Sustainability

Civic Engagement and Responsibility

Environmental Health

Environmental Studies

Urban Studies

Masters (Graduate)

Applied Community and Economic Development

Conservation Biology

Political Science - Global Politics and Culture

Centers & Institutes

Center for Renewable Energy

Institute for Geospatial Analysis and Mapping (GeoMap)

Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development

Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology

Graduate Certificates Certificates provide students with focused studies and exposure to the very latest topics and trends in the IT industry.  Enterprise Computing Systems Graduate Certificate  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Certificate Certificates are offered in specialized disciplines for Anthropology, Hydrogeology and Biology.  Information Assurance and Security Graduate Certificate  Internet Application Development Graduate Certificate  Networking and Telecommunications Management Graduate Certificate  Systems Analyst Graduate Certificate

Green Technology Efforts at Illinois State University eRefurbishment (http://at.illinoisstate.edu/eRecycling)

The goal of the eRefurbishment program is to repurpose and reuse equipment rather than sending it to a landfill. eRefurbishment ensures all data has been erased from computers and all other electronic devices that may have data on them, then refurbishes the systems and offers them back to the campus at no cost.

Each piece of equipment is cleaned, the drives are wiped, and a series of diagnostic tests occur in order to deliver a dependable machine. This process is designed to guarantee the system is functional and that University data is protected.

This service is open to any State of Illinois agency. Department of Corrections, Illinois State Police and other state institutions of higher educations have utilized this service.

Totals for 2013 thru June 2017 are as follows

Desktops recovered and reissued = 676

Notebooks recovered and reissued = 456

Monitors recovered and reissued = 485

Mac’s recovered and reissued = 138

Dollars saved by the university = $1,568,257

Weight saved from being discarded 22,376.8 lbs.

Energy Conservation

Mitigation of energy consumption has been accomplished through virtual server environments, upgrading data centers, establishing disaster recovery sites, consolidating enterprise services and creating collaborative work spaces.

Building and energy systems are highly automated to ensure the most efficient operation of mechanical systems. Additionally devices such as photovoltaic and occupancy sensors provide an effective method of mitigating energy loss in classrooms, parking decks, and other built areas of campus.

Renewable Energy

A demonstration hybrid 1 kW wind / 1 kW solar grid-tie capable renewable energy system has been installed at the Horticulture Center on Raab Rd. The system serves as a research and educational tool for students in the Renewable Energy major. Two additional photovoltaic panels have been installed on top of the technology lab of Turner Hall, with live metering data fed into the lab.

Research Partnerships on Renewable Energy

Illinois State University was one of four institutions to partner on a Department of Energy funded research program on the feasibility of implementation of renewable systems on college campuses.

Technology & Global Climate Change Research

Illinois State University faculty and students are utilizing an advanced buoy system (only the second in the world to be deployed) to provide fishermen with near real-time information about lake conditions, and the high-frequency data will help develop a model that can be used to predict impacts of climate change into the future.

Northeastern Illinois University: Efforts to Promote the Green Technologies Industry 2015-2016 Efforts to Promote the Green Technologies Industry 2016-2017

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS:

B.S. Biology B.S. Earth Science B.S. Environmental Science B.A. Environmental Studies B.A. Geography Undergraduate Certificate Geographic Information Science (GIS) Minor in Environmental Studies Minor in Geographic Information Science (GIS) Minor in Geography Minor in Earth Science

GRADUATE PROGRAMS:

M.S. Biology M.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS)

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND CURRICULUM

BIOLOGY PROGRAM: The Biology Program includes course offerings at the undergraduate and graduate level that deal with conservation and ecology.

SELECTED COURSES IN BIOLOGY: BIO-305. WIP: General Ecology BIO-453. Conservation Biology BIO-455. Restoration Ecology

EARTH SCIENCE PROGRAM: The Earth Science Program includes course offerings at the General Education and undergraduate level that emphasize the study of geologic processes, oceanography and meteorology.

SELECTED COURSES IN EARTH SCIENCE: ESCI-109W: First Year Experience: Chicago's Muddy Waters-Environmental Geology

ESCI-123: Environmental Geology ESCI-207: Global Climate and Weather ESCI-327: Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry ESCI-341: Environmental Hydrology

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE PROGRAM: The interdisciplinary Environmental Science program includes coursework in biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental studies, geography, math and physics.

SELECTED COURSES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: ENVI-101. Introduction to Environmental Science ENVI-301. Field Methods in Environmental Science ENVI-390. Environmental Science Research and Practice ESCI-207. Global Climate and Weather

GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM: The structure and focus of the Geography and Environmental Studies program has been addressing sustainability issues since 1965. The undergraduate Environmental Studies program has two focus areas: environmental policy and planning, and environmental education and interpretation. The graduate program combines geographic and environmental studies approaches to the understanding of human-environment interactions.

SELECTED COURSES IN GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES: GES-109B. First Year Experience: Chicago Geographies: Environmental Chicago GES-150. Introduction to Environmental Studies GES-218. Conservation of Natural Resources GES-220. Pollution Control and Prevention GES-301. Great Lakes Environmental Management GES-305. Geography and Map Skills for Teachers GES-307. Environmental Education Seminar GES-308. Conservation Psychology GES-309. Principles and Methods of Environmental Interpretation GES-311. Social Dimensions of Water Resources Management GES-319. Environmental and Natural Resources Policy GES-321. Environmental Impact Assessment GES-323. Green Infrastructure Planning and Management GES-327. Forest Resource Management GES-328. Wildlife Resource Management GES-329. Sustainable Energy Policy GES-336. Solid Waste Issues GES-338. Sustainable Development GES-339. Geography of Energy GES-344. Chicago River Issues GES-349. Environment and Urbanization

GES-359. Environmental Planning GES-360. Environmental Justice and Activism GES-368. Changing Global Climates GES-380. Field Methods GES-416. GIS for Natural Systems Management GES-437. Seminar: Global Wildlife Issues GES-445. Seminar in Resource Management and Decision-Making GES-449. Seminar in Land Use Controls GES-453. Seminar in Sustainable Development GES-454. Seminar: Population and Environment GES-455. Seminar in Environmental Planning GES-456. Seminar in U.S. Environmental Policy GES-457. Seminar: International Environmental Policy GES-462. Seminar in Environmental Education

UNIVERSITY INITIATIVES AND HIGHLIGHTS

Arbor Day 2017 Celebration: On April 25, the University celebrated Arbor Day with the theme of “May the Forest Be With You.” Attendees could visit four stations: a forester-guided campus tree tour, photos with Star Wars-related props and trees, nature-based yoga sessions in the quad, and oak sapling giveaway/tree planting education. The tree giveaway was made possible by a partnership with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

DIVVY Partnership and Ridesharing: Chicago’s Divvy bike-sharing service installed a docking station adjacent to the University’s Main Campus. The docking station location was determined, in part, by an initiative where students could recommend their preferred locations. Northeastern students can receive a discounted Student Annual Membership to DIVVY, giving them access to thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations across Chicago.

Green Business Conference 2017: The Green Conservative Group’s (GCG) annual Green Business Conference, held April 4, provided an opportunity to network and increase students’ and the Northeastern community’s knowledge and understanding of today’s progress towards a sustainable world. The GCG partnered with student organizers of the annual International Business Conference. In collaboration with the NEIU Alumni All Access series, GCG brought author, producer and broadcaster John St. Augustine, and broadcaster Bill Kurtis, to deliver the keynote address.

Green Conservation Group (GCG): This student organization promotes environmental responsibility at Northeastern through education and community involvement. All are welcome to participate in their activities to promote sustainability and common-sense environmental practices. Their activities include

17 workshops, film festivals, Earth Day events and social activities off-campus, such as visiting special museum exhibits, gardens, etc.

Green Fee Committee: In 2007, the Green Cycle Group (a student environmental club on campus at the time) initiated the idea of a student "green fee" that would be used to promote campus sustainability initiatives. Green initiatives were becoming more popular across campuses all over the country, and a few universities had similar student-approved fees to help pay for such projects. The proposal was presented to and endorsed by the Student Government Association. Then, the green fee was approved during a referendum of the student body. Finally, it was approved by the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees, and the $3- per-semester-green-fee was implemented in Fall 2007. A sample of the accomplishments of the Green Fee Committee includes:

Bike Racks: By adding more bike racks on the main campus, the University increases the potential for bicycle commuting to ease driving and traffic congestion.

Bike Repair Station: A covered bike repair station offers students, faculty, and staff a safe way to repair bicycles on campus.

Bird-Safe Windows: A new bird-safe initiative replaced outdated materials with clear decals to deter bird collisions with windows in breezeways on the main campus.

Demonstration Rain Barrel: A rain collection system was approved for installation near the library to be used to water the president’s garden.

Electric Maintenance Vehicle: Replacing a pickup truck, this battery-powered vehicle, which is primarily used by Facilities Management, cuts down on greenhouse emissions and noise pollution.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Helping El Centro in its bid to obtain LEED certification, three electric vehicle-charging stations at that location promote the adoption of pollution-free electric cars.

Energy-Saving Led Lights and Motion Sensors: Efficient bulbs and sensors that switch off lighting when not in use save electricity and the need for maintenance with longer-lasting bulbs.

Leaf Composting Program: A pilot leaf composting program was approved that will be implemented starting summer and fall as an additional agreement with the waste hauler to collect leaf litter and yard waste for off-campus composting purposes.

Marker Recycling Program: A pilot marker collection and recycling program was approved for classrooms with heavy whiteboard marker use.

Planting of Trees and Greenery: Native trees and plants benefit local wildlife as well as cut down on air pollution, recharge ground water and reduce runoff that contributes to water pollution and

flooding. These aesthetic improvements also contribute to biodiversity. Improvements take place in many areas of the main campus and most recently on Northeastern’s Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies location.

Recycling Bins: These receptacles, located throughout the University, are some of the most visible displays of sustainability. They encourage the community to think about waste disposal and how it contributes to growing landfills.

Solar PV Panels: Introduced by President Sharon Hahs on Earth Day 2012, these photovoltaic panels on Building B convert the sun’s energy into electricity and reduce Northeastern’s reliance on polluting energy sources. A TV monitor in a highly trafficked part of the building shows visitors its real-time and cumulative power savings.

Solar Water Heating System: Solar panels were installed in 2013 atop the Physical Education Building to heat its swimming pool, allowing Northeastern to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and reduce its natural gas bills.

Water Bottle Filling Stations: New water fountains with bottle-filling stations that dispense filtered water have been installed around the University since 2013 to reduce plastic bottle waste as well as energy and resource consumption.

Maintenance of On-Campus Prairies, Savanna, and Natural Areas: The Departments of Biology and Geography & Environmental Studies along with Facilities Management maintain small grassland prairies and Swamp White Oak savanna on NEIU's campus with periodic controlled burns, planting, and invasive species control for educational, historic, and aesthetic purposes. A recent partnership was created with the Conservation Foundation to implement the management of focus areas on campus in order to control invasive species, increase native trees and plants, and create visually appealing natural areas on campus.

Tree Campus USA: In February 2016, the Arbor Day Foundation designated the University as a “Tree Campus USA” in recognition of excellence in campus tree management and student and community involvement. Being awarded this designation was a team effort, with collaboration between the Departments of Geography and Environmental Studies, Biology and Facilities Management, and the Division of Student Affairs. The Geography and Environmental Studies program maintains a Geographic Information Systems map of all the trees and shrubs on campus since 1997.

Northern Illinois University Northern Illinois University offers the following undergraduate academic options that promote green technologies and align with green jobs programs (http://www.niu.edu/sustainability/academics/index.shtml).

Academic Degrees:

Environmental Studies - The Environmental Studies (ENVS) offers six different emphases:

• Biodiversity & Restoration (BS) • Energy Studies (BS) • Nature in Society (BA/BS) • Environmental Policy (BA/BS) • Water Science (BS) • Educator Licensure-Environmental Science (BA/BS) Biological Science- Biological Sciences offers a track on Biodiversity: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (BS).

Community Leadership and Civil Engagement –Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies (NNGO) offers an environmental emphasis (BS).

Geology and Environmental Geosciences–Geology offers an Environmental Geosciences (BS) emphasis at the undergraduate level and MS and PhD at the graduate level

Geography - Geography major with a study area in Natural Environmental Systems (BS) at the undergraduate level with a MS and PhD at the graduate level

Health Studies –College of Environment and Health (BS)

Technology - There are options in the technology field relating to environmental problems by choosing Energy and Environmental Technology (BS)

Engineering- Mechanical Engineering emphasis in Sustainable Energy (BS)

Minors

Environmental Studies allows students to “Green” any major on campus.

Sustainable Engineering through Industrial and Systems Engineering integrates social, environmental, and economic considerations in production.

Social Entrepreneurship through Management builds and sustains environmental ventures.

General Education Pathway

Sustainability. General Education pathway that focuses on environment.

Certificate

Sustainable Food System- A stand-alone certificate focuses on local food system

Green and Sustainable Initiatives

NIU launched a website that highlights Environmental Sustainability across the whole campus - http://www.niu.edu/sustainability/index.shtml Some of the highlights across campus can be found the following pages:

 Institute for the Study of Environment, Sustainability, and Energy: http://www.niu.edu/ese/  Campus Dining: http://niu.edu/dining/about/sustainability/index.shtml  NIU Green Team: http://www.niu.edu/sustainability/about/green-team.shtml  Student Association Director of Environmental Affairs: http://niu.edu/student- association/about/leadership.shtml  Achievements: http://www.niu.edu/sustainability/about/achievements.shtml  History of Sustainability: http://www.niu.edu/sustainability/about/history.shtml  Student Organizations: http://www.niu.edu/sustainability/get-involved/organizations.shtml  Sustainability Plan development underway: http://www.niu.edu/sustainability/about/plan.shtml  Regular events: NIU Earth Week (http://www.niutoday.info/2017/04/11/gogreenniu- celebrates-earth-week/)  Communiversity Gardens: http://www.niu.edu/communiversitygardens/index.shtml  Biological Sciences Greenhouse: http://niu.edu/biology/campus- experiences/facilities/greenhouse.shtml  Partner with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois each semester to divert gently used items from the landfill as student move out of the residence halls.  Map of green initiatives: http://www.myatlascms.com/map/index.php?id=249#!ce/10311?ct/10312,10381,21395,213 97,21403,10311

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Sustainability at SIUC: http://sustainability.siu.edu/

“Green Programs” and Sustainability Initiatives

Majors Agribusiness Economics Agricultural Systems and Education Crop, Soil and Environmental Managements Environmental Studies Geography and Environmental Resources Urban Forest Management – Forestry

Minors or specializations Sustainability – minor Environmental Sustainability Specialization Environmental Chemistry Specialization Environmental Engineering Specialization Energy and Environmental Policy

Courses UCOL 101G 1-3: Foundations of Inquiry Campus Sustainability: SIU Environmental Activities GEOG 100-3 Environmental Conservation GEOG 303I – 3 Physical Geography GEOG 320-3 Introduction to Environmental Sustainability GEOG 421-3 Urban Sustainability GEOG 424-3 Sustainable Development GEOG 470-3 Continuing Issues in Environmental Studies ANTH 207-3 Sustainability ARC 481-3 Environmental Design II: Energy and Systems CSEM 347-3 Urban Soils CSEM 370-3 Agroecology Sustainable Agricultural Systems FOR 201-3 Ecology of North American Forests FOR 285-3 Social Influences on Forestry FOR 331-3 Forest Ecosystems AUT 430-1 Automotive Investigations AUT 480-3 Alternative Fueled Vehicles HORT 462-3 Sustainable Landscape Practice HORT 463-3 Plants in Ecological Landscape HORT 480-3 Designing Outdoor Spaces TRM 440-3 Technology and Management of Sustainable Enterprises PLB 301I-3 Environmental Issues ZOOL 312I-3 Conservation of Natural Resources

ENGR 301I-3 Humans and Their Environment ENGR 303I-3 The Role of Energy in Society ABE 405-3 Management of Ethanol Production Facilities ABE 440-3 Natural and Environmental Resources Economics and Policy 5

SIU-C has approved a new Energy Engineering Specialization in mechanical engineering this past year.

Initiatives

In 1999, Southern Illinois University broke ground in sustainability, becoming the first institution of higher education in Illinois to sign the Talloires Declaration. SIU committed to mobilize its resources in order to address the problems and reverse the trends of environmental degradation.

In May 2009, the SIU Board of Trustees unanimously passed the $10 per semester student Green Fee “to provide a regularized source of funding for on-campus renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability projects and research.” This fee was passed after overwhelming approval by 73% of the students who voted in a campus wide referendum in the first student-led fee increase in SIU history. The Sustainability Council, along with the Green Fund Committee, was formed to make campus-wide recommendations concerning sustainability and allocate Green Fund revenue (generated by the Green Fee). Since then, the Committee has awarded over $1.6 million for on-campus research and projects involving renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

SIUC’s Vermicomposting Facility - creates compost from campus dining food waste and a recent expansion involved building an aerated static pile (ASP) facility that will greatly increase the university’s composting capacity.

The Agriculture Building boasts a green roof, a living wall and a rain garden that also offer excellent hands-on learning opportunities for students.

SIUC also hosts a Center for Sustainable Farming.

SIU Carbondale also has a diverse assortment of initiatives that include: bike repair stations, recycling and hydration stations, sustainable vegetable gardens, composting commodes, energy-efficient lighting, and a hydroponic workshop.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Sustainability at SUIE: https://www.siue.edu/sustainability/

Sustainability in housing: https://www.siue.edu/housing/sustainability/

University of Illinois at Chicago

Sustainability at UIC: https://sustainability.uic.edu/

Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy: https://sise.uic.edu/ (August 4-16, 2016)

Sustainability Jobs, Internships & Funding: https://sustainability.uic.edu/jobs/

University of Illinois at Springfield

Sustainability at UIS: https://www.uis.edu/sustainability/

University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign

Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment: http://sustainability.illinois.edu/

Student Sustainability Committee: http://ssc.sustainability.illinois.edu/

Illinois Sustainable Technology Center: http://www.istc.illinois.edu/info/govs_awards.cfm

Western Illinois University Sustainability at WIU: www.wiu.edu/vpas/sustainability http://www.wiu.edu/vpas/sustainability/education.php

Sustainable WIU Pledge: http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/university_union/sustainability/

CIP Code Program 01.0000 B.S., Agriculture 26.0101 B.S., Biology, Option in Environmental Biology 03.0104 Ph.D., Environmental Science: Large River Ecosystems 45.0701 B.S., Geography and Geographic Information Science 45.0701 M.A., Geography 45.0701 Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis 40.0701 B.S., Geology 30.0000 B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies: Renewable Energy and Biofuels Technology 30.0000 B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies: Renewable Energy and Wind Technology 30.0000 B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies: Renewable Energy Policy, Planning, and Management 40.0404 B.S., Meterology 24.0101 BLAS, Emphasis in Environmental Studies 90.0301 Institute of Environmental Studies Undergraduate minor in Geographic Information Systems (Geography) Undergraduate Interdisciplinary minor in Environmental Studies Undergraduate minor in Natural Resources Conservation (Agriculture) Undergraduate minor in Weather and Climate (Geography)